(MISA/IFEX) – On 6 September 2003, the paramount chief of the Batawana tribe, Tawana Moremi, physically attacked Booster Galesekegwe, a photojournalist from the weekly “Mmegi” newspaper, and broke his camera. Moremi also attacked Kagiso Sekokonyane, acting editor of “Mmegi Monitor”, “Mmegi”‘s sister newspaper. Galesekegwe was covering a story about South African DJ Phat Joe at […]
(MISA/IFEX) – On 6 September 2003, the paramount chief of the Batawana tribe, Tawana Moremi, physically attacked Booster Galesekegwe, a photojournalist from the weekly “Mmegi” newspaper, and broke his camera. Moremi also attacked Kagiso Sekokonyane, acting editor of “Mmegi Monitor”, “Mmegi”‘s sister newspaper.
Galesekegwe was covering a story about South African DJ Phat Joe at a restaurant in the capital, Gaborone. Moremi was among those at the entertainment function, where Galesekegwe was taking photographs.
Galesekegwe told MISA-Botswana that when he tried to take pictures of the revellers, Moremi walked towards him, seized his camera, threw it on the ground and stamped on it.
Galesekegwe added that while Moremi trampled on the camera, he shouted, “You nig***s are f****ing me up. Now it is payback time.” The digital camera is worth approximately Pula 21,000 (approx. US$4,361).
Galesekegwe reported the incident to Sekokonyane. Upon arrival, Sekokonyane also came under attack and was insulted and struck by Moremi. He did not retaliate.
After arriving at the scene, police managed to subdue Moremi. Moremi, Galesekegwe and Sekokonyane were taken to the police station to make statements, where Moremi again pounced on Galesekegwe and hit him.
When contacted for comment, Old Naledi Police Station Commander Sehubakgosi Tsekele confirmed the incident and said a file had been opened. Tsekele said the chief had not been brought in to answer the charges against him since the police did not know his whereabouts. Efforts to contact Moremi on his mobile also proved futile.
